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A
DIPLOMAT'S HELPMATE
HOW ROSE F. FOOTE, WIFE
OF THE FIRST U. S. MINISTER AND
ENVOY EXTRAORDINARY TO
KOREA, SERVED HER COUN-
TRY IN THE FAR EAST
"By
MARY V. TINGLEY LAWRENCE
SAN FRANCISCO
H. S. CROCKER COMPANY
PUBLISHERS
COPYRIGHT 1918
MARY V. TINGLEY LAWRENCE
SAN FRANCISCO
• • '^ n •
TO
MY FRIEND OF LONG YEARS
Mrs. Phoebe A. Hearst
WHOSE LIFE IS A CONTINUOUS
SERVICE TO HUMANITY
417177
BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION
T N this world war for right no woman has been called upon
^ to essay a more valiant part than Rose F. Foote of Cal-
ifornia played for American womanhood in the dawn of our
country^ s life in Korea,
As the wife of Lucius Harwood Foote, the first United
States Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary to
Korea, she was the first occidental woman to enter the ancient
capital, Seoul. She took her place as the American Minister's
faithful partner, her intellectual and spiritual preparedness
together with her tact and beauty enabling her fully to become
his loyal ally in the delicate and portentous tasks that con-
fronted this diplomatic pioneer in the Land of the Morning
Calm.
Mrs. Footers perfect poise, her intuitive diplomacy and
her great kindliness daily aided her husband in his un-
swervingly straightforward course through the sea of oriental
intrigue.
^he response to the test of service to her fellowmen won
for her the confident regard of the peculiar people of Korea
and transmuted the bitter antagonism of their powerful ^een
into a sincere trust and affection.
A harbinger of the Red Cross when it was scarce known,
her noble ministrations would inspire a worker in that field
of merciful endeavor. Her patriotism as expressed in heroic
allegiance to ourfiag and all that it stands for, and her high-
hearted courage and selfiessness in the midst of battle, fore-
shadowed the brave sacrifice of women in today s struggle for
freedom.
[VII]
BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION
She rarely spoke of her part in the rich experiences in the
Orient y but General Foot e felt that^ although he alone held his
Government's portfolio^ his wife had been of almost equal
service to the Nation they so devoutly loved.
Rose Foote went with her husband to Korea to be in the
fullest sense his helpmate, and she has left to her country-
women as a lasting inspiration the heritage of a lofty mission
devotedly fulfilled.
[viii]
THE CHAPTERS
CHAPTER I Page /
CHAPTER II Page 8
CHAPTER III Page i6
CHAPTER IV Page 22
CHAPTER V Page 26
CHAPTER VI Page 36
CHAPTER VII Page 43
THE ILLUSTRATIONS
MRS. FOOTE STARTING FOR THE PALACE IN THE
QUEEN'S PALANQUIN CARRIED BY THE ROYAL
CHAIR-BEARERS AND WITH THE KING'S GUARD
AS ESCORT Frontispiece
MRS. ROSE F. FOOTE Facing Page 6
GENERAL LUCIUS HARWOOD FOOTE Facing Page 26
THE AMERICAN EMBASSY HOUSEHOLD Facing Page 36
TEA-SET OF PORCELAIN AND SILVER PRESENTED TO
MRS. FOOTE BY THE EMPRESS OF JAPAN AT THE
PALACE IN TOKYO Facing Page 44
[IX]
A DIPLOMAT'S HELPMATE
A DIPLOMAT'S /HE L P M A T f.
Chapter I
GENERAL LUCIUS HARWOOD FOOTE IS APPOINTED FIRST UNITED
STATES MINISTER AND ENVOY EXTRAORDINARY TO KOREA.
DESPITE GOVERNMENT WARNINGS HIS WIFE DECIDES TO AC-
COMPANY HIM. GREAT INTERNATIONAL INTEREST IN THEIR
DEPARTURE. GUESTS OF EMPEROR AND EMPRESS OF JAPAN AT
TOKYO. MRS. FOOTE THE FIRST OCCIDENTAL WOMAN TO ENTER
THE ANCIENT CAPITAL, SEOUL.
MRS. FooTE was to go with her husband on his mission
as first accredited United States Minister Pleni-
potentiary, and Envoy Extraordinary to Korea. Vainly
Washington officialdom had sought to dissuade her. The
State Department gravely warned her, that the errand on
which General Foote was embarking might be fraught with
unknown perils. She but steadfastly maintained her right
to share these dangers, as she always had shared his good
fortune or hardship. She was told that the powerful, con-
servative queen would use her utmost diplomatic skill to
halt this invasion of the Land of the Morning Calm, where
never an occidental woman had trod. The wife of the
United States Embassador gently persisted that it was time
for such prejudice to be demolished — that some woman
would have to pave the way for an understanding between
the daughters of the East and their sisters of the West, and
so she calmly pursued her intention while the outraged au-
tocratic potentate watched her from across the seas with
bitter resentment. It was Her Majesty's first encounter
with a woman of the Occident, and the sweet but strong-
purposed American had won the opening long-distance
skirmish, and unconscious of the disturbance she was
creating in the Queen's circle, was serenely advancing to
a closer meeting.
diplomat's helpmate
With deep concern our Government had looked about
for the statesman to whom it could entrust the critical
conditions that might arise, and after careful inspection of
available material, decided upon General Lucius Har-
wood Foote of California. General Foote was a lawyer
and an author of wide reputation, with military training
and diplomatic experience, and to his handsome and dig-
nified appearance, was added the delightful personality
and charm of manner sure to impress the Orientals. The
Hermit Kingdom had lately surprised the world by emerg-
ing from its shell and entering into the family of Nations,
under the auspices of the United States, through which it
first established intercourse with the Western World. Ko-
rea that had never maintained a strict independence had
long been ostensibly under the suzerainty of China, much
to the chagrin of her other neighbors. The breaking up of
old conditions which would offer greater commercial and
civil opportunities, could well provoke covetous adjacent
countries to a dangerous attitude, the results of which
might reach beyond the East. As the State Department
seriously doubted that its representative would be allowed
to reside within the walls of Seoul, no provision was made
for a legation. The pitching of the Government's tent
was to be left to his diplomatic skill. A matter that very
directly concerned the Minister's happiness, was the con-
clusion of the President and the Secretary of State, that
Mrs. Foote's going would be fraught with danger. The
Exclusionists were belligerent and as antagonistic to
foreigners as in the days when they massacred such
oflFenders. The official admonition was further empha-
sized by the assertion that the powerful and attractive
Korean Queen, who had strongly opposed the admission
of the occidental man to the realm, would even more
vindictively resent the coming of an Occidental of her own
sex. Clever, and with unquestionable dominion at the
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
Court, she could make it at least very uncomfortable for
the fair trespasser. Far from being intimidated by the
threatening portraiture, and beyond any romantic fasci-
nation, the American woman felt for this determined
character a strong personal concern.
There was an unusual bond of inter-dependence and
delightful comradeship between the American man and
wife, and despite some misgivings they preferred the
danger risk to the test of separation.
The important fact that General Foote was going to
the enigmatical kingdom, to straighten out any intricasies
by personally guarding his nation's interests, attracted the
attention of all international officials, with the result that
other Western countries soon set about to follow the
diplomatic action of the United States. The American
Minister and his comrade would break the trail into the
land just awakening from its sluggish condition of cen-
turies and watch with immense interest at close range,
this unique people in the recasting of its future. The for-
mation period would doubtless be invested with the sauce
of intrigue and the spice of danger.
There was promise for an Oriental drama full of action.
But, as by her husband's side our California lady sailed
away, she did not know of the part she would come to
play under her flag in tragic scenes that would be enacted
in the old walled capital. Nor did she dream that the
queen, who at first had repudiated her, would confidently
come to ask her saving help in a time of grave anxiety, and
to trust her for solace after dear ones of her people had
been beheaded.
The newly-appointed Minister's wife was accomplished
and beautiful with a majestic bearing. Aside from her
home instincts and social gifts she possessed a knowledge
of the requirements of a diplomat's wife, so that she was
in the highest sense, her husband's helpmeet. The Hermit
[j]
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
Kingdom, a land of wonder and mystery, had for this
heroic woman a compelling enticement. It was as though
she heard an impersonal call. Her best equipment as a
preparedness for the advfenture was a rich life which was
the result of years of fruitful inner development, and such
a life as would be ready to give itself to the highest duty
that might be disclosed to her.
En route to their objective field, the distinguished
Americans received much attention. At Tokyo, Japan,
they dined with the Emperor and Empress, and fetes were
given in their honor by their Majesties in the Palace
domain.
General Foote soon engaged a Japanese gentleman as
Korean interpreter, and a boy to serve him, and Mrs.
Foote secured a competent Japanese maid.
At Yokohama, the U. S. ship,"Monocacy," was placed
at the disposal of the U. S. Minister and on it, he and his
wife concluded their journey.
At Chemulpo General Foote was met by a delegation
of high dignitaries from the capital, stately men in elegant
dress of the nobility. These polite representatives re-
pressed their curiosity and with a surprising warmth of
welcome and a frank spirit of kindliness not only for him-
self, but for his wife, mitigated the anxiety he was feeling
about the adjustment of perplexing questions bound to
confront him in his conferences with the government at
the capital. No doubt his tact would be tested in the
effort to secure the concession of maintaining the United
States legation at Seoul, instead of its being delegated to
Chemulpo. At the same time, the disposition of his wife
would be considered — whether she would be permitted to
take up residence directly with him, or even be allowed
to dwell within easy communication. In the decision
affecting Mrs. Foote, the Queen would doubtless hold
the balance of power.
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
Meanwhile, the American lady was to remain on the
"Monocacy."
The United States Minister bade his wife au revoir,
then placed the American flag on his awaiting chair, and
accompanied by the emissaries and some of the "Monoc-
acy's" officers, set off for the capital. Under the gaze of
thousands of natives, he made a memorable journey,
where he was the first Western man to enter the Palace
domain by the King's Gate.
The lady who had saluted the peculiar land with a
characteristic enthusiasm, was glad to accompany some
of the ship's officers in a stroll about Chemulpo. As soon
as she put foot on the new soil, crowds of natives sur-
rounded her, touched her, and stared into her eyes.
Several dropped down, with faces upon the ground and
curiously regarded her high-heeled shoes. So alarming
became the demonstrations, that it was deemed advisable
for the trespasser to return to the vessel. To Mrs. Foote
it seemed as though through those inquiring souls the
spirit of the entire land was but making its initial attempt
to solve her and the meaning of her intrepidly coming
through Korea's newly-opened gates.
At Seoul, the American Embassador negotiated some
advantageous changes in the treaty, after which the rati-
fication of the exchange of treaties took place.
And now, in addition to General Foote's state-craft,
his fine courtesy and pleasing personality were potent
factors in making it possible for him to take up official
residence at the capital, nor were they less potent in con-
vincing the protesting Korean Government that the
United States Minister's wife's place was by her husband's
side, and that she was not to be relegated even to the
treaty port of Chemulpo, much less to Shanghai, China,
as had been intimated. So wisely and tactfully had he
gained his points, that before he left the city the leading
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
nobles vied with each other to do him honor, handsomely-
entertaining him at Korean and Chinese palaces, and
further surprising and gratifying him with assurances of
hospitable welcome for the lady of the United States
Legation.
When the Minister returned for Mrs. Foote, the excit-
ing news spread far and wide, and great was the curiosity
to catch a glimpse of the stranger woman who had au-
daciously come, shattering the prejudices of ages.
The natives hastened from rice-fields and homes a
hundred miles away and thousands lined the road as by
her husband's side she rode forth in her chair, under the
Stars and Stripes. The two, who with retinue were carried
along over this pleasantly rolling flower-covered country,
with its neighboring little farms and thatched huts, en-
joyed every foot of the pictorial journey, now enlivened
by surging masses of quaintly dressed natives. It roused
the lady's imagination to the promise of rare scenes and
adventures in the mysterious new world which they were
entering.
The unique procession reached the high crenellated
ivy-clad walls of the metropolis and passed within as the
setting sun lit it up into a golden splendor, and the ancient
bell rang sonorously announcing the closing of the sixteen
gates. All about the newcomers the network of traffic
surged and intermingled. Back and forth eddied torrents
of jostling humanity — the oriental scenes of the pictur-
esque multitude filling the strangers with amazement.
Confused by the many tangled cries and noises, and the
terrific rush of men and beasts, Mrs. Foote vividly felt
that she was being engulfed in this weave and throb of the
bewildering Far East life.
As they passed by the open shops and rows of low,
thatched houses and zigzagged through the pushing
throng, a train of patient bullocks burdened by loads of
Mrs. Rose F. Foote
diplomat's helpmate
brush piled high against the sky line — a veritable moving
forest — parted to let them continue their way with the
United States banner asserting its notes of red, white and
blue. The wonder and inquisitiveness of the near populace
manifested itself in persistent efforts to gaze upon the
foreign man and woman. The agitation of the two hun-
dred thousand inhabitants intensified the deep thrill of ex-
citement experienced by the Minister's wife and added a
distinctive keenness to the close of her wonderful
pilgrimage.
When the party reached the objective point, a breeze
stirred, and something humanly caressing brushed across
the lady's cheek. It was the dear flag. She caught the
end of it, and put it to her lips where it seemed to pulse
softly as if to remind her of its faithful presence and pur-
pose. The General was touched by the incident and
tenderly lifted her from her chair.
News of the marvelous happenings of this day, was
quickly carried to the Palace. The baffled Queen in a
fury of rage beat upon her imprisoning walls, as she
smarted under the taunting realization that the uncrowned
occidental woman commanded a limitless freedom in her
interference with the traditions that had been dearest to
the Korean heart. The indignity had been insupportable
when the intruder had entered the treaty port, but now
that the very gates of the protecting walls of the sacred
capital had opened for her, this near approach to the royal
domain was resented with increased anger.
Mrs. Foote had achieved distinction as a pathfinder.
Being the first occidental woman to enter ancient Seoul
she had paved the way for others of her sex to follow.
[7]
Chapter II
LOOKING FOR LEGATION AND HOME QUARTERS. "CHUNG-DONG,"
AN OLD MIN PALACE, CHOSEN. MRS. FOOTE UNFURLS THE
AMERICAN FLAG OVER THE LEGATION. PROPHETIC TEARS.
AMONG the properties inspected for a United States
legation purpose was an ancient Min palace. It
asserted a claim of distinct associations, having been the
abode of one of the Queen's powerful family. It recorded
a most fascinating history and was invested with the flavor
of romance. There was a proud, surviving interest in the
gruesome tales of its valiant decapitated Mins, who even
now in unquestionable shape, periodically stalked about
the premises. These stories, orally transmitted, had the
seal of actuality put upon them by the ineffaceable attest-
ing blood-stains on the walls, and were further corrobo-
rated by gloomy recitals that skulls and headless skeletons
which had missed honorable burial, had been turned up
in the gardens. The Minister found that it could be made
to suit his official requirements while with his wife he was
not unmindful of the romantic enchantment it offered as
a home. He hastened to buy it with his personal funds.
His government readily approved his action, with the
intent of re-imbursing him and taking the property over.
"Chung-Dong," the name of this estate, signified
"Beautiful Mount,'' and was on a rise that later became
known as "Legation Hill." Its acres of grounds were well
wooded with stretches of neglected greenswards, and
offered opportunity for floral culture. There were seven
principal houses, besides servants' quarters and outhouses.
Japanese artists selected and brought over appropriate
in
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
furniture, and after many alterations "Chung-Dong" was
converted into a beautiful governmental home, offering
an unusual attraction. With artistic appreciation of its
ancient beauties, Mrs. Foote had stayed the hand of the
iconoclast and insisted upon retaining all of the rich
oriental architectural details within and without, especially
treasuring the massive dark beams and rafters of the Le-
gation offices and drawing-rooms. Richly embroidered
screens and hangings, costly vases, lion, tiger and leopard
skins, potted plants and brilliant growing flowers were
graciously sent from palaces, to contribute bright color
and impart cheer. This delightful amenity reminded the
stranger lady to bring out a bag containing home flower
seeds which she duly planted with her own hands. In
time they joyfully justified her care, and often became her
distinctive messengers to royal friends.
Infatuated with oriental art, Mrs. Foote began to
secure a collection of rare and beautiful treasures, among
them pieces of precious Satsuma ware, old lanterns. Man-
darin coats, ancient embroideries and many quaint speci-
mens of long-forgotten crafts.
This welcome hospitable refuge with its distinct East-
ern bewitchment, would not have been complete without
the dependable Chinese steward who had a Chesterfield
manner and a valuable administrative ability in the orderly
management of the large corps of native servants. Tall
and handsomely dressed in a blue brocaded silk gown
reaching to his ankles, his carefully kept queue hanging
down his straight back, he was an adornment whenever
he moved or wherever he posed. There was always a big
company of sparrows on the premises, and they and the
colonies of chattering magpies scared the venturesome but
harmless fat snakes back into the seclusion of comfortable
quarters up among the tiles in the roofs. No native would
diplomat's helpmate
harm or hinder any of these "humble, crawling brothers/*
in their patient evolution.
A tall flagpole was secured from a far-off forest and
floated down the river. When it reached the city and was
borne through the twists and bends of the narrow streets,
as if demanding an unobstructed right of way, it knocked
down several little houses, for which damage generous
remuneration was promptly made. The staff was placed
in the principal courtyard of the Legation, and in the
presence of many dignitaries, Mrs. Foote, at the bidding
of her husband, unfurled the American flag, tears, perhaps
prophetic, filling her eyes as she realized as never before,
what this precious symbol meant for their protection. It
waved majestically in the breeze, then dipped down as if
it would gather its folds about her.
The American lady at once commanded a prominent
place in oriental diplomatic life. Her exceptional beauty
and queenly bearing aroused admiration wherever she was
seen. And this physical charm was but an outward ex-
pression of a universality of spirit and a warm sympathy
that soon won the hearts of the gentle Koreans.
Later on, other legations with delightful inmates were
instituted.
Soon after General Foote's settlement at Seoul, and
largely through his suggestion, the King dispatched to the
United States a special embassy consisting of two Koreans
of high rank and a suitable suite. The party journeyed
on the United States ship "Trenton." They were received
at the United State capital and by the American people in
general with great courtesy. These eager men were
quickened to seize every opportunity for the study of
progressive methods.
Since the opening of the Hermit Kingdom, a number
of ambitious young Korean nobles had gone over to Japan
with the earnest purpose of studying and broadening their
[/o]
A diplomat's helpmate
civic and military education. They, too, had returned with
an increased thirst for freedom. Such aspiring, daring
characters, polite and refined, and of a pleasing personality,
became accustomed to gather at the American home,
where they profited by Western inspiration. The hostess
radiated a quality which ripened and enriched those hun-
gry minds as they eagerly plied her with questions and
listened to her graphic responses concerning her country,
its admirable institutions and its noble men and women.
Those ardent students who had awakened to a national
self-consciousness readily responded to the stimulus of
occidental ideas that gave them increased courage to
pursue their ideals. But representatives of all parties were
impartially, cordially welcomed at the Legation and a
sympathy was felt with those who could not see beyond
the race-habit of self-interest and satisfaction by the
employment of old methods.
While fully enjoying their Korean life. General and
Mrs. Foote realized that they were in an atmosphere of
danger, that might come to be expressed in a coup d'etat.
The three parties, the Exclusionists, the Conservatives
and the Liberals were constantly clashing, and their
menacing domestic broils were sources of anxious con-
jecture. With any serious outbreak was the possibility
of some other country's interfering. Korea had been the
Naboth's Vineyard of the Far East and Japan and Russia
continued to nurse their resentment of China's imperious
presumption to which claim the dominating Queen had
always subscribed. With the Court, foreign affairs ever
had been a particularly favorable sphere for intrigue,
sometimes resulting in the violent and even barbarously
achieved overthrow of ministries. And such wild conflicts
could occur again.
Of all the attractions of that land none so strongly
stirred Mrs. Foote as that of the conservative Queen who
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
had been doubly aggravated by the United States Minis-
ter's planting his flag and taking up family residence
within the long-prohibited capital walls far across the
city, yet too insolently near her palace gates. The Queen,
known as Queen Min, was the highest representative of
the ancient powerful Min family, whose blood was said to
be in great part Chinese. This family had the largest
number of nobles, with the greatest landed estates of all
the families of nobility in Korea. Her Majesty was a
strong and formidable character, brilliant and magnetic,
and was regarded as the brainiest woman of the entire
Orient. She was an uncompromising Conservative, a
fearless leader, and was the power behind the throne
although it was believed that the King, who deeply loved
her, secretly favored the Liberal Party. Besides being a
profound Confucian student, she was versed in govern-
ment affairs and was a prominent factor in every Korean
political crisis. The Min clan lived on social terms with
the Court of China, and the Queen, who shared with the
ladies of the royal Chinese household the love of beautiful
clothes, secured selections of the most richly gorgeous gar-
ments procurable from the looms and the embroidery
experts of Peking — that Paris of far Cathay.
To the United States Minister it looked as if his wife
were barred from meeting this marvelous creature who
seemed to have immutable laws of her own, which she now
exercised in undauntedly defying the accepted ethics of
diplomacy by determinedly ignoring the claim of courtesy
due the wife of the first accredited western Embassador
at the Korean Court.
The American woman felt urgently drawn to this fear-
less, defiant power and never abandoned the hope of meet-
ing her. In considering the potent influences that had
shaped such a character and determined the direction
of its activities, one could not wonder at the loyal
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
Conservative's bitter distrust of the Westerner. Of the
remembrance of unforgivable insults offered Korea by
foreign trespassers, among whom it was asserted were
Americans, was the ruthless desecrations of the sacred
tombs of the ancient kings in a mad search for gold, price-
less vases and other invaluable treasures. Mrs. Foote
could not withhold a sympathetic appreciation of the
Queen's attitude in her fierce resentment of such a sacri-
lege where ancestral worship was a revered, sacred rite.
The desire to know this determined figure had a pur-
pose beyond curiosity or any personal aim. She believed
the dynamic power of an intellect so loyal to its convic-
tions, with such an enormous capacity for evil accredited
to it, might be diverted from its devotion to the justifica-
tion of intrigue and cruelty by transmission into a corre-
sponding force for the good of her race. But she could
wait. Meanwhile this unique people so appealed to her
enthusiastic interest that Mrs. Foote often climbed a
ladder and looked down over the outer wall to study the
spirit and the local color of the busy panorama in the
crowded streets. The hard, primitive methods of the men
and women at work, the hungry children, the squalid
poverty and misery enlisted her serious attention.
Thus at her very door she discovered a field for the
exercise of a tender and purposeful philanthropy. Taking
her thirty servants and a number of other receptive
natives she experienced a great joy in giving a portion of
her time to teaching them practical lessons while elevating
them spiritually. Nor did she fail to generously and con-
tinuously provide money, fuel, food and various comforts
for the wretchedly poor all about Legation Hill, while she
ministered to the sick and was known even to dress their
wounds. In her interest the lady found that ^sop's Fables
appealed to the oriental mind and she was glad of her
knowledge of them. Among the acts never forgotten by
[ /J ]
diplomat's helpmate
the humble people, was that in the case of a youth of the
American home who was asphyxiated in the heating quar-
ters. He was discovered by fellow-servants who confidently
ran for their good friend. She came quickly and, with
ready wit, inserted a tube in the boy's mouth, then per-
serveringly blew her own breath into his lungs till life was
restored. This story, and many others that showed the
large-heartedness of the stranger, was widely circulated,
and did not fail to reach the royal realm where the agitat-
ing gossip particularly fascinated the women directly
serving Her Majesty. Their quarters reverberated with
an excitement that invested those monotonous, colorless
lives with a new vitality. Even more arousing and mys-
terious were the tales of the foreign woman's influence on
the young Korean nobles who gathered about her in the
drawing-room of the United States Legation, and who
always came away with clarified visions, and their ideals
freshly aglow. But the self-sufficient Queen, who, if the
necessity arose, might inspire fear and inaugurate revolu-
tion, direct beheadings and sway destinies, would not
appear to compromise her dignity by listening to the
enthusiastic chatter. However, she really had heard every
word of the enticing gossip with grave concern and had
pondered the disturbing innovation till curiosity and
jealousy inflamed to such a point that a deep desire surged
in her to probe the secret of the interloper's magic sway.
The disturbing news had all been brought to the palace
by men, and the astute Sovereign misdoubted masculine
ability to gauge the eternal feminine whether of native or
foreign extraction. She herself would never deign to look
upon the objectionable woman, not even by cautiously
peeping through a screen hole, but by some resourceful
method she would learn of her through the discriminating
eyes and the analytical brains of trustworthy members of
her own sex. This change of front was followed by a
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
careful reconnaissance of the situation with the result
that she set about and devised an arrangement whereby
a number of her Ladies in Waiting were to call upon
the United States Minister's lady and convey to her
greetings from the Queen of Korea.
The King could not disguise his evident delight in see-
ing Her Majesty make this change of attitude toward the
American lady, and the United States Minister and his
wife were deeply impressed. The stir of preparation for
the important errand and the consequent whir of excite-
ment was felt by every denizen of the royal estate. Indeed,
the first news of the astounding decision of their domain's
autocrat almost paralyzed the palace's human mechanism.
But when the amazing fact was comprehended, the wheels
went spinning again as if every creature in the grounds
were a factor to the visit's success.
[/5]
Chapter III
THE CONSERVATIVE QUEEN SENDS HER LADIES IN WAITING TO CALL
UPON THE LADY OF THE AMERICAN LEGATION. SHE DECIDES
TO SEE THE OCCIDENTAL WOMAN. MRS. FOOTE PRESENTED
AT THE KOREAN COURT. THE QUEEN'S ATTITUDE SOFTENS
TOWARD HER GUEST.
AT THE appointed hour for the deputation to set out
each of the favored court ladies in resplendent attire
entered her individual conveyance. With a series of guards
on either side of them, the noble women ventured into the
wider country giving touches of bright color and an air of
festivity to the drab streets as they proceeded on their
romantic errand of exploration, while throngs of men,
women and children bordered their way and reveled in the
joy of such near approach to dwellers of the Palace.
When the United States Legation was reached, these
gay butterflies emerged from their little coaches, and lit
upon the greensward. It was a transition to a new world.
High above them floated the beautiful red, white and blue
banner of which they had heard. Awesomely looking up,
they wondered at the mystery of the American woman's
interest in the sacred ceremony of its unfolding, and were
at a loss to comprehend how a mere perishable bit of gay
bunting could exercise such a far-reaching, compelling
power.
It was with anxiety and trembling that the dainty
creatures met the United States Minister's lady. Although
awed by her stately presence, through the intrepreter, their
important message of welcome was timidly delivered.
The sweet graciousness of Mrs. Footers reply at once
[7(5]
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
relieved the strain and gave them courage to talk more
freely.
The hostess pleased them by warm expressions of high
regard for their Queen, in which they were assured that
all her country women cordially joined. To this were
added words of appreciation of Her Majesty's thought for
her, a lone woman far from home and kindred, and per-
sonal thanks to her guests, the bearers of the courtesy.
Then with the engaging simplicity of the normal American,
she showed them about the drawing-rooms eliciting great
interest and enjoyment.
Under the ^ell of her conquering goodness, the visitors
made their adieux and returned to their august mistress
who had been pacing her private halls in feverish antici-
pation. Although fearful of the royal wrath, the envoys
could not restrain exuberant expressions over the adven-
ture. By their uncontrolled gaiety and daring, the exalted
listener felt that these subjugated creatures of her will had
profited by contact with the strength of a great character,
and, by an infection of freedom were exultantly drinking
at a new fountain of life. It sounded an alarm. She
pondered with chagrin the alluring problem. Then afttet-
considering it for days, to her amazement, in some
shadowy corner of her woman's consciousness, resentment
slowly gave way to a more generous prompting. Despite
her inborn prejudices and conservatism, the great Korean's
powerful intellect began to perceive the possibility that the
interesting intruder with her deep insight and far-reaching
influence, instead of being a menace might indeed be of
service to her in her isolated perilous life as a queen.
Spurred by this subtle, disquieting suggestion, she with the
executive force that made her an oriental power, deter-
mined to sweep aside the barriers which she had cherished,
as ruthlessly as she would sweep away any outside
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
Opposition, and to set herself free to judge the occi-
dental woman for herself.
As a result of this revolutionary determination, the
United States Minister's wife to her great delight learned
that she was to have an audience with the Queen.
. The startling news that the invincible Power had come
to recede from her formidable attitude produced intense
excitement at the United States Legation.
On the appointed day, Her Majesty dispatched for the
honored guest her most elegant palanquin of fine wood,
gold lacquered, and inset with beautiful colored stones.
A gold Confucian cross was at each upper corner. Its
windows were of old Chinese hand-painted glass, exquisite,
beflowered bits of historic art. The inside was richly
paneled and cushioned with layers of gold brocade. It
was like a great jewel case and held a fragrance like that
of a rose jar. Relays of royal chair-bearers were to carry
her, and the King sent his guard as an escort.
For the impressive occasion, Mrs. Foote who was ex-
pected to appear in Court-presentation costume, wore a
rich gown embellished with rare laces. Although the
entire front of the palanquin was raised, she found diffi-
culty in stowing away her dress without seriously crushing
the precious train. The General merrily watched her
attempts to make a nest. Both were always awake to the
fun of a situation, and the wife quickly catching her hus-
band's mischievous eye, said, pausing in the struggle to
accommodate Western breadth as expressed in dress to
Eastern restriction as expressed in conveyances, "Lucius,
wouldn't it be an awful beginning if I were forced to back
out?
Laughing heartily, he replied, "That would not be like
you, my dear Rose. Rather, diligently, and at any cost,
back in." Thereupon, aided by her eager little maid she
redoubled her efforts and soon had the refractory costume
diplomat's helpmate
adjusted to the given space and settled herself upon the
fragrant cushion, her gay train fluted about her like a pea-
cock's spread tail. Her husband looked on with twinkling
and admiring eyes as with the Interpreter and Japanese
maid she in high-wrought expectancy set off to meet the
greatest Queen of far Cathay. The United States Minister
gazed after her musing upon the feminine psychology that
eluded his skill. While wondering at the ways of the
masterful Korean woman, he found it beyond his diplo-
matic vision to conjecture what this unexpected change of
policy might mean in the play of the future.
Thousands thronged the ancient streets to get a glimpse
of the stranger hidden behind the drawn embroidered cur-
tains of her chair with no opening left but a tiny peephole.
Many adroitly crept under the palanquin and had to be
dragged out and beaten off.
The palace grounds embraced 3000 acres with sum-
mer and winter palaces and thousands of persons lived
there in attendance upon the royal family.
When the honored guest reached the royal gate, as if
by a magic wand it opened, and passing the guards, she
entered an enchanted land that no occidental woman had
ever dreamed of. She felt like a bird on wings as she was
hurried along through many beautiful gateways, into
parks with kaleidoscopic scenes till she reached the recep-
tion hall, and entered the ante-chamber. Beyond was
the room where the King and Queen sat upon the throne,
with the young Prince standing by their side. Mrs. Foote
with lifted head and stately grace, moved forward making
the prescribed consecutive salutations, till she paused be-
fore the august pair who had arisen from the throne and
stood as she approached. They were in magnificent robes
of state. The King was attired in a long touramachi or coat
of rich red silk — the royal color. Her Majesty wore a long,
flowing blue silk skirt, with a yellow silk chogerie or jacket
diplomat's helpmate
exquisitely embroidered and fastened with amber and
pearl buttons. Her raven-black hair was drawn smoothly
away from the interesting face and effectively coiled in a
wheel at the back of the neck. This wheel was ornamented
with jewels set in elaborated gold filigree. Far from being
startling the entire costume while orientally attractive
was harmonious and in perfect taste. An elegant jewelled
ornament indicating her royalty was set upon her well-
shaped head. At her side hung a number of gold filigree
jewelled ornaments with long, gay, silk tassels.
When the two women faced each other there was a
pause. Each one seemed seriously measuring the other.
The stranger's majestic yet gentle presence filled the
august Korean couple with silent surprise and respect and
to Mrs. Foote, the Queen with her masterful poise and
searching eyes did not need the badge of office to confirm
her wield of power. After this momentary tarrying, the
honored American wlas received with the elaborate oriental
court etiquette of centuries. The King, Queen and Prince
each in turn made a speech of welcome and the United
States Minister's lady responded with an unexpected sweet
graciousness that Her Highness was quick to understand
and that to her own surprise changed her formal attitude
into a carefully guarded approach to geniality.
This auspicious interview evidently led her to conclude
that her Ladies in Waiting were not far mistaken in their
enthusiasm over the stranger.
And here was the beginning of an acquaintance that
through tragic circumstances came to ripen into a sincere
attachment.
Mrs. Foote's presentatioli at court had left a psycho-
logical impress. Her Majesty, whose jealousy and hostility
had been much mitigated by the late interview, could not
rid herself of a recurring desire to come into closer contact
with the newcomer — in fact to know her. She felt that
1 20}
DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
something persuasive and subtle was challenging her to
further encounter. She would like an opportunity to study
this type of fearless untrammelled occidental womanhood
that by no humanly-conferred power was exercising an
effectual queenhood in her Korean realm, such as she,
sovereign by law, had never been able to secure by her
inflexible methods. After much puzzling of brain the
resourceful sovereign conceived an innovation in the rule
of royal functions that would cause all the country to
wonder. The design was to give a Fete Champetre in the
palace grounds in honor of the lady of the United States
Minister, for which provision would be made with a munifi-
cence beyond that of any like attention ever offered in
the Far East. By imperial command the entire royal
estate with its marvelous attractions was to be put in
immaculate order and the genius of its various artists
taxed to their utmost. In its wonderful stage setting,
the most fascinating oriental entertainments would be
offered on a scale of magnificence transcending all previous
events.
[^/]
Chapter IV
THE QUEEN G-IVES A WONDERFUL FETE CHAMPETRE IN HONOR OF THE
LADY OF THE AMERICAN LEGATION. THE BEAUTIFUL PALACE
DOMAIN AND UNIQUE ORIENTAL ENTERTAINMENTS.
WHEN apprised of the great courtesy, the honored lady
received it with an exultant pride, which was
quickly followed by a characteristic self-less humility.
Naturally her first impulse was one of joy at the implied
victory she had won, but that impulse of pardonable pride
vanished in her exultation over this hopeful sign that she
should be the instrument to light woman's way in Korea.
Even now Western women missionaries were making the
venture. It was as an answer to her prayers that the
United States Minister's wife had regarded the innovation
of her late reception at the Court where she was allowed
freely to converse with the Power whose displeasure
against her had been so determined. The general belief
prevailed that diplomatic ethics having been regarded and
the Queen's curiosity having been satisfied, her chapter
with the Imperious One was forever closed. But Mrs.
Foote intuitively felt that this was not true.
Shaken by the importance of the extraordinary atten-
tion, the American Legation from high to low indulged in
unrestricted expressions of gratification. Even the Gen-
eral, aroused to an unaccustomed enthusiasm, declared that
his wife must have exercised some art of diplomacy, the
code of which only the female could decipher, else such
unparalleled fortune was the result of her possessing a hid-
den Aladdin's lamp whereby she might tamper with the
magic of the East.
I 22^
diplomat's helpmate
Again the royal palanquin and the King's Guard were
at Mrs. Footers disposal, as they were at her subsequent
visits to the palace. So great was the demonstration all
along the route that severe means were required to clear
the way. Crowds stood watching the great palace gate
as it opened and revealed to her sight two hundred tall
eunuchs in plain rich uniform who lined the way beyond
and emphasized the gorgeous color effects. She was borne
through Eden-like groves in which apricot and plum trees,
palms and cherry bushes greeted her wondering eyes.
Delicate flowers bordered the paths and perfumed the air;
crysanthemums and other sumptuous blooms banked the
sunny hillsides and here and there were long carpets of
tender greensward. Onward she was gently carried, past
towering red and gold lacquered pagodas and pavilions
richly tiled in emphatic hues. Fairy tea houses were
perched on vine-clad cliffs and miniature temples rose up
on isles, the bright fluted green and gold roofs and sur-
rounding plants reflected in the clear waters of the lakes.
From the distance floated music from stringed instruments
that with the accompaniment of the clash of tom-toms
and gongs sometimes rose to martial strains. Birds of gay
plumage flew among the tree tops like flashing jewels, but
the crowning decorative motifs were the Court Ladies and
hundreds of other dames of high degree who were scattered
over the lawns, effectively displaying marvelous creations
of the oriental costumer. Translated to a new-found
world the American was so abandoning herself to its
enchantment that she was barely aroused from the lure
of a lotus dream when the palace was reached.
She was graciously received by the King and Queen
and with less punctilious ceremony than that exercised at
the first presentation. Her Majesty wore a robe of fabu-
lous price, its rich material and embroideries enhanced by
[ ^3 ]
diplomat's helpmate
rare pearls. Her picturesque and now mellowed person-
ality impressed itself vividly upon Mrs. Foote.
The august hostess made a new and daring departure
by engaging in the festivities and exhibiting much enjoy-
ment of the stranger upon whom the Court Ladies were
in constant attendance. The latter, ingenuous little
creatures, were piqued with intense curiosity. A few,
encouraged by the guest's re-assuring manner, pointed to
her long white kid gloves whereupon she skinned them off,
while they apprehensively looked to see the epidermis go
as well. The women then passed them around and merrily
hid their own baby-like hands within their depths. Mrs.
Footers white arms and hands were gently examined as
were her diamond ornaments. They wondered how she
could manage such a load of uncomfortable sumptuous
apparel and submit to having her waist boxed up, while
their curiosity was eager to learn where she procured the
cosmetics that made her so fair. It was all very confiding
and child-like. The autocrat of the Court looked on with
interest and when eagerly listening to the talk was closely
studying the Westerner, who while she fascinated, baffled
her analysis and filled her with increased wonderment. As
she followed the conversation and the rapid exchanges of
ideas by the feminine international code of gesticulation,
she found all lingering antagonism vanishing and her spirit
quickening to an undefinable yearning. Did she begin to
question if it were not a reaching out for something that
could be disclosed only to one who is not too hampered
by, and dependent upon, the things of sense? She had
been feeling her way, warily guarding against too intimate
a concession, but persuaded by the sincerity of the gentle
Westerner, she threw down the barriers of restraint and
heartily entered into the exchange of happy thoughts.
As she did so, her face was transfigured into a positive
beauty. Mrs. Foote was delighted as the Queen revealed
DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
the knowledge, intelligence and wit of a well-stored mind,
and she soon discovered in the much misrepresented, mis-
understood royal hostess, assurances of a lofty, generous
soul.
The joyous guest was escorted from place to place to
unique entertainments. Music stole down from musicians
seated in pagodas. On the bank of a lake a, large lotus
bud opened, disclosing a nude babe that was received into
the welcoming arms of an awaiting mother. A sail boat
upon a lake carried a number of flower-like girls who
danced upon the deck, their rhythmic motions and beau-
tiful poses illustrating an historical story. And various
admirable little plays were enacted, appealing so lucidly
to the imagination that no interpreter was needed. Funny
little acrobats stood on their heads and hung among the
tree branches. Between times Oriental refreshments were
served at Wistaria-enwreathed tea houses on islands in the
center of lakes whose waters were covered with lotus
blossoms and spanned by red lacquered and stone bridges.
For romantic magnificence and bewildering beauty, the
Fete surpassed anything of a festive character that had
ever been presented in the Land of the Morning Calm.
As Mrs. Foote was about to depart, the Queen with
radiant face expressed a hope that she would soon see her
again and assured her that the entertainment was intended
as a tribute and not merely as a ceremonial. And our
conquering unoflicial diplomat went home in glowing
wonder over this budding friendship.
[^5]
Chapter V
SIGNAL OF PEOPLE'S UPRISING SOUNDS AT STATE BANQUET. GENERAL
FOOTE RESCUES WOUNDED COURT FAVORITE. KING URGES
GENERAL AND MRS. FOOTE TO SEEK SAFETY AT PALACE, BUT
UNITED STATES MINISTER AND WIFE REMAIN UNDER THEIR
FLAG. THE CITY ABLAZE WITH REVOLT. THE PEOPLE'S GRATI-
TUDE SAVES AMERICAN LEGATION FROM DESTRUCTION.
FOREIGN RESIDENTS HURRY AWAY TO TREATY PORT. FOREIGN
EMBASSADORS CALLED TO CHEMULPO. MRS. FOOTE REMAINS
ALONE IN THE CAPITAL AT ROYAL REQUEST. HER LONG VIGIL
WITH THE FLAG HER COMRADE.
BUT political trouble was brewing. It was significant
that China had a large number of troops within the
walls of the city and displayed an amount of impressive
military paraphernalia and Japan kept a complement of
soldiers in readiness, in case any need arose for the pro-
tection of their new legation buildings.
The impending crash came finally, in the way of an
awful surprise. It was on December 4, 1884, at an elabo-
rate banquet given by a recent Korean embassador to the
United States. The dominant figure among the natives
present was the handsome Prince Min Yong Ik, one of the
late embassadors to the United States. Only a few years
before, after a harrowing experience in a revolt, he had
shaved his head and, as a Buddhist Priest, fled for safety
to another country, while his cousin, the Queen, who had
exchanged clothes with a servant escaped and her substi-
tute was slain. Thereafter her Majesty returned in
triumph and established a cabinet of her own making.
The Prince was a Conservative, and the Court favorite,
with an immense fortune, and with a standing next to that
General Lucius Harwood Foote
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
of the King. All countries were represented at the feast
and the oriental nobles were especially elaborately cos-
tumed in gorgeously dyed robes. Suddenly there was an
alarm of fire. It was a signal understood by certain of
the guests, and they instantly arose. Like an electric
flash came the realization to the unsuspecting that a plot
was being hatched, and in consternation, they, too, jumped
to their feet. Prince Min Yong Ik, who was no novice to
such a dramatic demonstration was quick to comprehend
the subtle significance of the fire-call and the danger to
himself, and rushed out into the Court-yard, only to be
set upon by conspirators and fearfully gashed. He stag-
gered back into the hall, a ghastly sight with seven sword-
cuts in his head, body arteries severed and the flesh of his
carven cheek hanging down. Thereupon the Orientals ex-
citedly tore off" their brilliant outer garments and jewelled
girdles, revealing a simple dress and in a twinkling all the
Liberals headed by the arch-conspirator, Kim Ok Kuin,
rushed to the gates, or scampered over the walls and van-
ished. General Foote had sprung forward to catch the
wounded and almost dying Prince in his arms, and of the
guests he alone remained. Still holding the stricken man,
he quickly gave orders to the demoralized attendants, and
in a brief time had the Prince placed in the care of Dr.
Allen, a skillful, American surgeon who had lately entered
the country.
He then made for the Legation through the dismal old
streets, crunching over the snow, occasionally seeing a
twinkling light from a little house, and while meeting but
one man, an officer on duty, was confronted here and there
by a lone ghost-like, closely veiled woman in white finding
her way to her hut by aid of a tiny lamp with its beeswax
taper.
The American Minister reached home in such a sad
plight as to alarm the servants. Absorbed in the horror
diplomat's helpmate
of the scene, he had not perceived that his clothes were
soaked and dripping with the Prince's blood. Mrs. Foote,
hurrying to greet him was overwhelmed, for she instantly
imagined that an attempt had been made to assassinate
him and that he had staggered home to die. He quieted
her fears.
But soon there was added consternation throughout
the Legation, for it became known that a messenger had
come in haste bringing the King's Guard, and was awaiting
audience. He bore an earnest request from His Majesty
that the United States Minister and his wife should come
at once to the Palace for safety. General Foote politely
replied that he would remain under his flag and Mrs.
Foote refused the proffered rescue declaring that she would
stay with her husband. Although both comprehended
that the rioting Korean mob would have scant compre-
hension of a foreign embassy's right to inviolability in
internecine disturbance, yet they knew that it was their
duty to maintain and establish that standard of neutral
immunity, at whatever cost to themselves. It was a part
of the heroic work of the occidental diplomatic pathfinder.
There was noise and commotion throughout the city,
but the night wore itself away and the next day with its
complications of duty, was a busy and a trying one for the
American representative whose valued suggestions in the
grave conferences were characterized by a supreme tact
that met the exigencies of the delicate situation.
Then a night of terror set in and the United States
Minister and his wife stood confronting the horrors of an
oriental revolution.
The Japanese Minister had gone to the Palace upon
invitation of the King, it was asserted, and the Japanese
soldiers had formed a cordon around the Palace walls.
The Liberals had then rushed to the Palace and quickly
accomplished their purpose. Surrounding the King they
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
had deposed and cut off the heads of the members of his
Cabinet who were the Queen's appointees, and installed
men of their own party. The Queen, herself, in a state of
horror and anguish, hid away but momentarily expected
to be dragged out and assassinated. The fierce battle in
the palace grounds left pools of blood, and during the
conflict bullets whizzed over the United States Legation,
producing intense excitement. The valuable and favorite
dog in the American home added to the turmoil by crouch-
ing and whining then going dangerously mad. He was
ordered to be shot in spite of Mrs. Footers grief and en-
treaties. The Legation was put under martial law.
Luckily the winter's supply of provisions had been secured.
The American woman's thoughts went out anxiously
to the Queen who with the King had so quickly proffered
her and her husband refuge from impending danger and
who herself was how imperiled and powerless in the midst
of that carnage. Perhaps she was awfully tortured — per-
haps slain in the bloody arena. If alive maybe she would
see the flag and divine its message and take courage.
Never had the Minister and his wife so felt the potency
of their national symbol.
However the ascendency of the Liberals was short-
lived. The Conservatives realizing that submission to
this defeat would be a death-blow to their power, rallied
with a desperate courage, and, largely reinforced by
Chinese troops under Yuan Shi Kai, they stormed the
palace stronghold, drove the daring new usurpers to cover,
regained control of the Government, brought the suffering
but undaunted Queen from her place of concealment and
re-established the King.
Upon this amazing turn of affairs, the Japanese Guard
and officials in quick haste secured the state papers from
their Legation building, hastily gathered together many
re&igee Japanese men, women and children who had
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
congregated at the embassy and protected by their sol-
diers they as a desperate party perilously rushed through
the streets, hurled themselves against the Western Gate,
beat it down and fled to Chemulpo. It was a daring
heroic dash. Many were killed and many of the wounded
fell in the city streets, where they died and their bodies
remained till devoured by the dogs.
The new Japanese Legation buildings and the town
palaces of the Liberals all over the Capital went up in
flame, reddening the entire sky. The hostile bands had
broken into the arsenal, and together with the entire native
population had turned the city into a pandemonium.
The Japanese as sympathizers of the Liberals were in dire
straits as the mob's particular objects of vengeance. Their
blood was running in the streets. Every Legation flag,
except the Stars and Stripes was hauled down, and the
inmates of the British Legation came to that of the United
States. During the nine days of trouble, the American
flag was the only foreign banner that waved and floated
from the beginning continuously, beckoning the oppressed
to its haven, despite the fact that such an invitation was
risking, even inviting attack. Those of the persecuted
who could, fled to the refuge, and Minister Foote gave
orders to open the gates to all such who came.
More than once, the United States buildings were on
the verge of destruction. In anticipation of the storming
of the Legation, the state papers were secured and all was
made ready for the almost hopeless attempt to escape.
A hollow square was to be formed, and Mrs. Foote in her
chair, with the state papers was to be placed in the center.
Then a courageous sortie was to be tried in an effort to
make way through the turbulent streets, confronting ter-
rors, force a city gate and flee to the treaty port. The
Minister's wife faced this prospect as she had all the fear-
ful experiences, with a composed strong heart. She lost
[jo]
diplomat's helpmate
thought of herself in her continued personal attention to
the rescued and still imperiled men, women and children.
Typical of the numerous perplexing and trying difficulties
which her masterly tact was called upon to adjust was
that of a rescued Mohammedan woman with her ingrained
prejudices. She refused to eat the proffered food or even
use the dishes and cooking utensils, and she had a hungry,
crying baby. Mrs. Foote as the good angel came to the
relief and smoothed over the situation so wisely that
mother and child were agreeably and bountifully fed.
It was by no mere chance that the American Legation
survived the heroic part it played in this dire drama. Not
only was the American Minister honored and admired by
the court and the native populace, but his noble wife was
revered by the whole city, from queen to lowliest peasant.
Thousands knew personally of her charities and gracious
acts of kindness. Again and again, some fierce spirits
would have applied the torch to the ancient palace over
which the Stars and Stripes undauntedly beckoned to the
imperiled. But always at the highest danger point, the
attempt to destroy the place was frustrated by grateful
natives springing forward with vehement reminders of the
benefactions of these high-minded foreigners who were
from the country to which Korea first confided her trust.
Beyond all else, it was their preparedness in personal
qualities, which fortified and preserved the American and
his wife and enabled them to be protectors to all those
who sought safety under the star-lit banner.
After a time of threatening and wearing uncertainty,
the sounds of riot and destruction died away to distant
mutterings. But while the old capital seemed stunned to
quiet by the horror of the late experience, fears were felt
that the smouldering fires might rekindle.
Immediately upon the abatement of hostilities, the
United States Minister demanded that the Japanese, who
diplomat's helpmate
had been sheltered by his Legation, be taken to Chemulpo
with a guard and this was speedily done.
All the foreign residents of Seoul now took occasion to
break camp and hurry away to the treaty port. As Dean
of the Diplomatic Corps, the United States Minister pre-
pared to go to Chemulpo to confer with Count Inouye, the
Japanese Minister of Foreign affairs, who accredited as
special Embassador, had arrived there. To further add
to the gravity of the situation word came of the landing
and encampment of several thousand Japanese troops, and
this news further stirred the capital. Mrs. Foote was to
accompany her husband.
Suddenly in the night before the intended departure,
a messenger came in haste from the palace. What did it
portend ? General Foote went out to learn, and his wife,
alarmed, quickly followed. She heard her name men-
tioned. The King and Queen had sent to ask if Mrs.
Foote would consent to remain at the capital. It was
their Majesties' urgent appeal. The anxious rulers feared
that, in the impending departure of all foreigners, the
rebellious might find excuse for entirely throwing off
restraint and renew more fiercely than ever, the atroci-
ties of the past days. It was the conviction of both King
and Queen that the one being in Seoul who could hold
the people's confidence was Mrs. Foote. They urged
through their messenger that public knowledge that this
beloved foreign friend of all, remained quietly and con-
fidently in her legation-home under her flag would re-
assure the demoralized and keep in check the violent.
The Minister was profoundly affected by this magnifi-
cent tribute to his wife but, while he would have gladly
risked any personal danger to be of aid, he could not allow
his wife to be exposed to the perils of such a heroic situ-
ation, and he spoke for her and emphatically refused. But
Mrs. Foote was never known to turn away from an appeal
diplomat's helpmate
for help, and now, that from so high a source confidence
was expressed in her ability to be of service in such a
crucial time, there could be but one response. She might
avert further bloodshed. Her duty was plain and she so
expressed herself and her husband, moved by the char-
acteristic attitude of self-sacrifice, finally reluctantly con-
sented to the royal plea, but not until he had demanded
and been promised that a joint Korean and Chinese guard
come and surround "Chung-Dong."
It was a trying day when the courageous woman saw
her husband depart and realized that the Legation gates
were closed and locked and that she, a lone occidental
woman, was left in the ancient city. By climbing a ladder
to the top of the outer legation wall, she might see a
section of the encircling oriental army that was to pro-
tect her from the possible fury of a host of other Orientals
whose thirst for blood was perhaps not yet satisfied.
The succeeding long hours of apprehension were as
years. Sometimes she was startled by a report of an up-
rising, and every unusual noise caused her heart to jump.
One less strongly equipped might have fancied that at
night the ghosts of the long-ago valiant decapitated Mins
of "Chung-Dong" were rising up in sympathy with the
uneasy, struggling survivors of their proud house, and
stalking about the corridors.
Even the usually attractive lighting of the afternoon
signal-fires to gleam like loads of jewels on the far-off
mountain facing the palace could now have an ominous
significance, as even the powerful "ding-dong" of the great
city bell, which was a distinct feature in the capital, might
voice a terrorizing warning.
This immense huge- toned object was hung in a pagoda
in the center of the metropolis. The funereal tolling of it
was accompanied by a weird refrain — not unlike that of
bagpipes — and was rendered by musicians placed in the
Iss]
diplomat's helpmate
pavilion over the Governor's Yamen gate. As Mrs. Foote
now heard its accustomed melancholy peals reverberate
announcing that the sixteen city gates were shut, it em-
phasized the precarious nature of her situation.
In times of peace, this old ceremony of the gate closing,
had impressed her as a vesper-like, sacred rite of high
solemnity; today the metallic messenger seemed to give
out angry vibrations, as if with a cruel personality, sure
to set the imagination conjecturing pictures of awful
possibilities.
But her greatest concern was for her husband. What
of him ? Through the trial she was not left alone. She had
a dependable comrade — Old Glory was there! In these
periods of depression, she would go out and look up. It
waved as if with a purpose of sympathy and steadfastness
giving her fresh courage — the dear, battered flag that was
the bond between her and her country with its millions
of responsive souls.
"Our Father's God to Thee!"
Surely, surely, he would be protected.
She was further heartened by the confident belief that
the Queen's old antagonism had been transmuted into a
kindly, responsive feeling. No doubt the Western woman's
latest benign act was having a deep effect upon the ori-
ental sister, who had always been on the defensive with
a reliance on cruelty as her potent weapon. Indeed, Her
Majesty was giving direct evidence of sincere concern for
the imperiled stranger. Night and morning she sent a
message conveying warm greetings and asking what she
could do for her "good friend," and Mrs. Foote responded
with her accustomed graciousness. The very lack of
opportunity for a clear comprehension of each other had
been a stimulant to interest. And now the exercise of a
reciprocity of good-will afforded a psychological season-
ableness for an understanding and for the consummation
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
of a Strong bond between the two women of divergent
types.
Just as Mrs. Foote felt that she could no longer bear
the strain of suspense concerning her husband, he returned.
[J5]
Chapter VI
GENERAL FOOTE SUCCEEDS IN ADJUSTING DIFFICULTIES. THANKED
BY GOVERNMENTS. PREPARES TO LEAVE FOR CALIFORNIA
HOME. MRS. FOOTE OVERCOMES QUEEN'S INTENTION TO EXE-
CUTE FAMILIES OF CONDEMNED REBELS. SOVEREIGN GRIEVES
AT DEPARTURE OF HER AMERICAN WOMAN FRIEND. MINISTER
AND MRS. FOOTE REGRETFULLY LEAVE CHUNG-DONG. TEAR-
FULLY SALUTE THEIR TATTERED FLAG.
AFTER brilliant success as a diplomat in the conference,
at Chemulpo, theUnited States Minister had hastened
back to the capital, barely in time to save his wife from
a collapse.
He soon accomplished a perfectly satisfactory adjust-
ment of the late difficulties that had threatened to involve
the entire Orient in war. For this achievement he re-
ceived, in good time, the official thanks of Korea, Japan
and China and was accorded the highest commendation
from his own government.
Mrs. Foote felt the strain of the awful ordeal through
which she had passed and her health was much impaired,
and now, as she heard that the families of the condemned
Liberals were to be included with the latter in the death
penalty, she was weighted with a deep grief. Was there
no way to avert the ruthless sacrifice of those innocent
women and children ? Oh, if she could meet the powerful
Queen and appeal to her awakening spirit. But she saw
no way — the wife of a diplomat — she was more hampered
than she would have been as a Western woman of less
prestige.
General Footers mission to Korea was fulfilled. With
the cordial assurance that he had creditably served his
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
nation, he set about preparations for return to the Cali-
fornia home.
To the Royal One this news came like a blow. She
stood aghast as it was brought home to her that this meant
the unutterable loss of the dependable woman and she so
expressed herself in a sorrowing message. Following this
testimony, she sent a warm invitation to the Minister's
lady to make her a visit at the winter palace.
Her endearing "good friend" was always glad to re-
spond to the royal call, and now, and far beyond the
personal interest, she especially hailed this auspicious
opportunity — trusting to some providential illumination
by which she might reach the innermost heart of the
power behind the throne.
Over ice and snow, in the royal palanquin, and escorted
by the King's Guard, she was carried to the ruler's domain
for the last time. The glorious gardens that she had
enjoyed in their spring and summer splendor had been
trampled down and laid waste by devastating battle,
giving place to a dreary scene. And for the joy of sunny,
happy days there was an atmosphere of melancholy that
as they advanced was enhanced by the sight of bloody
stains on the walls — gruesome memorial inscriptions of the
fate of the Queen's beloved relatives.
Fearing madness, as she in imagination continually
heard the piteous cries of her slaughtered kinsmen. Her
Majesty had abandoned the beautiful, ghostly palace that
had been the scene of such heart-break and was domiciled
in another sumptuous abode.
The two tried souls now met on the common ground
of suffering — woman to woman — rank and ceremony for-
gotten. The Queen graphically depicted her part in the
late revolution's horrible tragedy, when several of her dear
ones had been beheaded in the palace grounds, at her very
doors, while she in terror awaited a similar fate. Haggard
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
and hollow-eyed, she bore awful traces of the ordeal and
expressed good reason for still being distrustful of all about
her. In her loneliness and extremity it was to this
American, whom she had come to trust and believe in
with a new-found sincerity, that she could without fear
unreservedly pour out her woe.
Overcome by her own recital, the forlorn woman, for-
getting oriental restraint, pathetically reached out and
Mrs. Foote took the worn body in a warm, maternal clasp.
At the opportune moment the visitor led the stricken
ruler to a consideration of the great subject she had at
heart — the appalling intention of the Conservatives to
slaughter the members of the families of the condemned
Liberals. With gentle tact the Westerner sought to arouse
the bettfer spirit in the dominant figure in this awful pur-
pose. She tried to show her the needless cruelty and the
injustice of sacrificing innocent lives. The attempt but
kindled fire in the merciless eyes. The strong chin tight-
ened and the royal back stiffened in quick resentment and
challenge at this interference with her prerogative. The
outraged Power could not forget the atrocities lately com-
mitted. She flamed with rage and was barbaric in the
determination to be avenged. She declared with pregnant
significance her justification in the inflexible resolution to
exact the fullest expiation just as the Liberals would have
done had they not been routed. Upon any menace to or
interference with her dominion, the Queen invariably had
taken a leading part in plot, intrigue and treachery, and
to her this law of retaliation with its severe sweeping
penalty needed no defense as the righteous way of dimin-
ishing the ranks of a dangerous opposing clan. She made
the determined guest strongly feel her self-centered power
and the intensity of a strong personality. But, nothing
daunted, the valiant suppliant persevered, pleading
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
earnestly while hoping to reach the better nature that
she knew was there.
Then a long pause ensued. Surely the obstinate, be-
nighted mind was quickening to the spirit's touch, for the
tension of the drawn face relaxed. The royal one began
to listen with an aroused interest as Mrs. Foote reminded
her of the value of Confucian ethics and called attention
to the fact that the highest command of Buddha was to
take no life — not even that of a worm, "lest it be hindered
in its upward way," and that in Confucian philosophy
saving life is one of the three works of perfection. Every
moment was precious as this messenger of mercy plied
her genius for success in the right. When she paused, the
hostess' penetrating gaze was softened into an expression
of clarifying intelligence.
Here was a woman from the Occident, charging her
with a lack of understanding and even of an abuse of the
most beautiful teachings of the great oriental religions,
and she was feeling the radiance and truths of such sin-
cerity and goodness. All her senses were now on the alert.
Down in her being was a stir of normal comprehension
and it strove upward. Again there was a long silence.
The great Korean was thinking deeply, the inward combat
in its dying gasp.
Perhaps to the perturbed sovereign it was becoming
clearer than ever before that in this fair foreigner's benef-
icent and beautiful philosophy as she continually applied
it, lay her success in reaching the hearts of the Korean
people, and that it was through this same spiritual in-
fluence that she herself had undergone the moral change
whereby vindictiveness toward the Western adventurer
had been turned into a confident trust. The beseecher's
sincerity, her unfaltering courage and her wonderful poise,
amazed the queen and exalted her consciousness till she
[jp]
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
emerged from the throes of a mental battle with a bright-
ened vision that transfigured the worn face into beauty.
Then she slowly and earnestly said:
"My sister, you have conquered. The lives of the
innocent women and children of the condemned Liberals
shall be spared!"
This magnanimous declaration rang out to the pro-
foundly touched listener like a song of triumph over dark-
ness. By comparison she felt her own unworthiness,
and now saw this great character in whom she had al-
ways placed a strong faith revealed in the light of an all-
encircling illumination that hopefully touched on the years
to come. For surely thenceforth the enlightened Korean's
powers would be directed by an uplifted understanding
that would be exerted for the betterment of all of her
countrymen.
Mrs. Foote held the startling royal declaration with a
deep reverence that somewhat concealed her overwhelm-
ing grateful emotion which had in it no hint of self-
gratulation, but sprang from a joy that a sister had seen
the light and that other sisters might dry their tears.
Her mission accomplished, the Minister's wife prepared
to retire, but as she was about to express thanks and
appreciation and to bid Her Majesty farewell, the latter
impulsively reaching out said:
"I am glad that you came to Korea. Do not go away.
I can not speak your language but my heart understands
you. Truly you are my sister."
Thus by a sympathetic human exigency were those
two souls welded into a lasting confidence. Moved by such
an intimate expression of love, and, grateful for the queen's
splendid magnanimity, the Westerner found it hard to say
the final, "Good-bye." When she did attempt it the royal
one tearfully cried out, "Oh, will you not come back to
Korea, my good friend ?"
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
With an aching heart the visitor again murmured the
words of parting. She was then borne away, but, as the
palace gate closed, she felt that because of the earnest
spirit left behind it, other gates of greater freedom would
open.
The wind howled as the feet of the royal guard
crunched over the bleak snow-encrusted road till the sor-
rowing American reached the haven of her inviting home
where her husband, ever-understanding, took her in his
arms. He knew that mercy had conquered intolerance.
With the final message of heartfelt regret to the lady
of the American Legation, the Queen sent her many mag-
nificent gifts. Among them was a series of white satin
screens, each with ten panels whose elaborate embroidery
progressively depicted the history of Korea. They had
ornamented the palace and were of valuable national con-
sequence aside from the interest they afforded as the
highest examples of their type of Korean art. To attest
her love to the fullest, she made the greatest possible sur-
render, by bestowing upon her "good friend" her own
most cherished worldly possession — the favorite palanquin
which had often been sent to convey the Minister's lady
to and from the palace. At the time of a revolution a few
years before, the crafty queen had frustrated the enemy's
attempt to assassinate her by escaping in the clothes of a
peasant girl who had loyally assumed the royal garb,
thereby yielding up her life. When the queen's party
recovered its supremacy this palanquin was made and
sent to bear Her Majesty back in royal triumph.
It was not easy for the United States Minister and his
wife to leave "Chung-Dong." Their trying experiences,
their marvelous recompense, their suffering and their
dependence upon each other, their pioneering and home-
building in the ancient capital, the love of the Korean
humble class and the high regard from all the people there
[ 4^ ]
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
represented, had contributed in making the Far East sacred
to them. If they had freely given the best of themselves
in Korea, they had a lasting joy in the knowledge that
warm hearts from palace to hovel beat for them there.
The weight of their trials had been balanced by fruitful
compensation. No doubt, beyond all else, Mrs. Foote's
heart reached out to the dear Queen who had pathetically
besought her not to leave her. It was a call she could not
forget. It was a life interwoven with her own and in
spirit they would never be separated.
When the legation gate closed for the last time upon
the couple all the servants followed them for fivt miles
moaning and crying at the loss of their beloved mistress.
From the distance the two comrades reverently looked
back at their nation's flag. It had conciliated enemies.
It had averted terrible wars. It had sheltered the oppressed
under its folds and it had given courage, strength and
protection to its entrusted servant and his wife in time of
direst peril. As it swept out over the snow-covered roofs
and walls like a rainbow of promise in a sombre sky, the
minister and his wife arose and solemnly saluted it. It
seemed to take on a personality as being of their household
and pathetically to beckon them back, then gravely to
waft them a regretful "good-bye." And something filled
their throats and choked their speech for something of
their hearts was left with that weather-beaten, precious
symbol of their country. Tearfully they watched it till it
became a speck over the legation and melted into the
heavens.
[^]
Chapter VII
IMPERIAL HONORS AT TOKYO. ARRIVAL AT SAN FRANCISCO. AFTER
SIX MONTHS MRS. FOOTE PASSES AWAY. HER BENEFICENT
INFLUENCE ON KOREAN QUEEN BEARS FRUIT. THE QUEEN'S
LAST VALIANT STAND FOR HER COUNTRY. GENERAL FOOTE
PASSES AWAY. THEIR PATRIOTIC SERVICE THE NATION'S HERI-
TAGE.
AT Nagasaki, where the Japanese hailed them as saviors
of their countrymen in the late coup-d*etat, every
possible honor was accorded General and Mrs. Foote.
Chief among the unique entertainments offered was a
remarkable theatrical performance that by order of the
governor of the place had been arranged in anticipation
of their coming. It was a thrilling representation of the
scenes of the late revolution at the Korean capital, in-
cluding the rescue of the Japanese at the American
Legation. As the drama proceeded, the immense audi-
ence went wild with excitement. At its close when the
folds of the American flag fluttered out over the heads of
the United States Minister and his lady, and then majes-
tically waved back and forth over the throng there was
stupendous enthusiasm. All sprang to their feet and
when the band struck up "The Star Spangled Banner,"
the old ram-shackle building, chosen for its great seating
capacity and traditions, reverberated with the music and
shouting and many rushed to carry General Foote out in
triumph as he bowed his thanks and, with Mrs. Foote
and Japanese friends, hurried to his carriage.
The United States Minister was accorded every courte-
ous attention when he reached Tokyo. At the especial
diplomat's helpmate
audience conjointly given to the distinguished American
and his lady, the Emperor made an address in which he
expressed his personal thanks and the thanks of the nation
for the rescue of his countrymen in their extremity. To
this General Foote appreciatively responded in words
which evoked still greater enthusiasm from this people to
whom he had already become a heroic figure. Then, act-
ing upon the royal indication, Mrs. Foote stepped forward
with her majestic air and gracefully made the three defer-
ential bows as she advanced to the presence of the Emperor
and Empress. Her Majesty at once spoke to the United
States Minister's lady expressing admiration for the cour-
age and heroism she had shown in perilously remaining
under her own flag and in assisting in the rescue of the
oppressed. She warmly thanked her both personally and
in the name of all of the women of the Empire for the great
compassion that had been shown to her suffering people.
The recipient of the distinction was much touched and
replied with characteristic modesty and dignity. This
tribute to the fair American from so high a source was
regarded as one of the greatest honors conferred upon a
woman in modern times.
The Empress in private audience at the palace further
emphasized her regard by presenting the United States
Minister's wife with an exquisitely beautiful tea-set of
finest porcelain cups and silver pots and saucers and a
silver salver.
There were those who did not hestitate to attack in
words the Queen of Korea, but these found quick rebuke
from Mrs. Foote who silenced such criticism with, "Pardon
me, friends, but I can not allow any disparging remarks
against the Queen of whose complex but nobly aspiring
nature you have not a fair understanding. Out of my
own experience with her has grown a deep attachment for
her and a confidence in her desire to uplift Korea."
n Q.
H n
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
The Stay of the American Minister and his wife in
Tokyo was not without its amusing features, one of which
the General often chuckled over. As the guests of some
of the nobility, he and Mrs. Foote were taken to the
temples where in the outer courts all ceremoniously re-
moved their shoes. Passing in, the lady saw her husband
glancing at her feet with the tell-tale twinkle in his eye.
"Now, what is it?" she whispered.
"Just a wee hole in your stocking. Oh, ever immaculate
one!" he replied.
"Oh, Lucius," she exclaimed under her breath.
To her, always so perfectly groomed, it was no comedy ;
it was tragedy. Then recovering and holding her head
once more erect, she said to him, "Anyone with a particle
of comprehension will know that it is but an accidental
break of the thread in a seam."
"Most assuredly," was the comforting rejoinder.
It was presumed that there the episode closed, but
the next day she said:
"Lucius, do you think that the Prince saw?"
"Saw what?" he queried as he looked up from his
papers.
"The hole in my stocking."
He threw back his head and laughed heartily as he
replied, "Certainly not, my dear Rose!"
"Now, Lucius, are you speaking truthfully, or is that
a diplomatic evasion ?" she demanded.
The United States Minister answered gallantly and
said:
"He did not see. The Prince is a gentleman."
"Thus," the General would conclude when rehearsing
the tale, "was that gracious poise, which neither riot nor
revolution could disturb quite put to rout by a hole in a
stocking-heel !"
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
As soon as the Minister and his wife boarded the home-
ward steamer at Yokohama, they were called to the side
of the ship. Below, in a sampan that rocked perilously in
the churning sea, they beheld the General's almost indis-
pensable Japanese servant and his little wife, Mrs. Footers
equally invaluable maid, each with baskets of luggage for
a voyage. They held up imploring hands in a final appeal.
The American couple, who had resisted the persistent
importunities of the faithful pair to accompany them and
devotedly serve them forever and who had bidden them
repeated farewells, again denied their petition, refusing to
uproot them from all their native ties. Thereupon the
little couple decided further effort was useless and tossed
up boxes of beautiful "Kumsha" to the steamer's deck.
The Americans again felt a pull at their heart-strings as
they watched those loyal partakers of their Korean for-
tunes row to the oriental shore, plaintively calling back
across the water, "Sayonara!'* "Sayonara!" ("Farewell!
Farewell!")
Soon after their arrival in San Francisco, physicians
pronounced Mrs. Footers health fatally affected by the
trials of the terrible revolution added to the unsanitary
conditions of the old capital. Six months later she happily
made the transition to the Beyond, not having forgotten
to send her love and a message to the cherished Queen.
Over her casket was draped the Stars and Stripes. In a
simple service. Dr. Horatio Stebbins of the Unitarian
church paid tribute to the "noble woman whose spirit-
uality had won the confidence of the conservative Korean
Queen and her people, and who, refusing proffered pro-
tection, stood steadfastly under her flag at risk of her life
and took the hounded and oppressed under the shadow of
her wings."
Several years earlier Mrs. Foote was in Chile with her
husband where he represented our Government. Her
146]
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
ministry to the Chilean poor had never been forgotten.
Upon learning of her death, a large number whom she had
there befriended came together in grateful and loving
remembrance, and, contributing their small coins, went
in a body to the cathedral and had a mass said for the
repose of her soul — although she was not of their religious
faith.
The Korean Queen, who had never given up the hope
that her good American friend would return, was deeply
grieved when informed of her death, and, together with
the King, sent General Foote tender expressions of regret
and sympathy.
She kept her faith and saved the women and children
of the condemned Liberals.
Mrs. Footers benign influence over the Queen bore its
fruit, for the sovereign who loved her country became
more and more amenable to progressive ideas, her ascend-
ing thought expressing itself in new devotion to her people
and a more intelligent patriotism that looked far beyond
herself and her day, and courageously risked her very
life in an effort to save Korea from the dreaded dominion
of Japan.
Among the plans she had at heart for the advancement
of her countrymen at the time of her tragic death, was the
establishment of a permanent school for the sons of nobles,
toward which she had subscribed 130,000 and to which
she was additionally to make an annual allowance of
|2o,ooo to $30,000. By her request the teachers of this
school were to be from American colleges, for she placed
unquestioned confidence in the countrymen of her "good
friend." She manifested constantly an increased gener-
osity and lovableness that not only affected the Koreans,
but smoothed the path of the noble Western women who
had come faithfully to work among them. These she freely
aided and stimulated by a warm,personal sympathy and
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
by every possible encouragement, not the least of which
was expressed through substantial, munificent gifts.
The enemies of this wonderful Korean Queen well knew
her remarkable ability and statesmanship, and saw in her
the greatest menace and danger to their designs. Espe-
cially was this emphasized when, after her own self-recon-
struction, she, with an enthusiasm and zeal transmuted by
her occidental friend, worked for her people on a higher
plane, and in her enlightened efforts for them, secured new
adherents winning their dependable loyalty.
When in 1895 Japan established a protectorate over
Korea, the attempt at hasty and radical changes there was
resisted by the Court Party at Seoul headed by the in-
vincible Queen. Aided by the entire Min family, with a
patriotic spirit and at an awful risk, she planned a daring
coup d'etat with the determination to disband the soldiers
who had been trained by Japanese officers, and to replace
the pro-Japanese partisans of reform in the cabinet with
her pro-Korean friends. It was her last valiant fight.
The result was a counter-plot to seize the King and the
dangerous Queen with the aim of obtaining control of the
government in the interest of the pro-Nipponese and
reform party. In carrying out this plot the powerful and
discerning head of Korea was made way with. It was said
that she might have escaped, but would not desert the
aged Dowager Queen, and relied somewhat upon the
promise that her life would be safeguarded. The friend
in whose loyalty she placed greatest faith assisted in her
betrayal. She was horribly and brutally murdered. Her
body was hacked to pieces in the palace grounds and then
burned — only a little finger bone being recovered for hon-
orable burial and worship.
It took the Astrologers two years to decide upon the
propitious place for her burial. All her country was
interested. Finally a beautiful tract of 1000 acres lying
A DIPLOMAT S HELPMATE
a few miles outside the walls of Seoul was chosen. It in-
cluded mountain, hill, level rice-field, village and stream.
All habitations were removed, tens of thousands of young
trees were set out and fortunes were spent in making it
marvelously beautiful. The grave is on the highest hill-
top and is encircled by a carved balustrade of stone and
here and there are significant images. Before the grave
is a splendid block of polished marble serving as a table
for sacrificial offering, and in front of it is an elaborately
carved stone lantern.
This great Queen of far Cathay was given the post-
humous title of "Empress." Two years had elapsed since
her death. She had not been forgotten by her people.
Indeed, as they helplessly realized that Korea's individ-
uality was being stamped out, even those who had con-
tinued hostile to her, came to honor the memory of the
strong character that fought so valiantly to avert such a
catastrophe. And now her state funeral gave them the
opportunity to express their appreciation. It was the
pathetic tribute of a country that was being fatally merged
into the family of its ambitious neighbor, Japan. The
entire city turned out to do her honor. For the Koreans
the day was sad indeed. To them it was the burial of
their beloved nation, of which the queen had been the life
and inspiration.
Visitors to the fascinating old capital make a pil-
grimage to this noted tomb of the oriental queen who had
such a heroic and dramatic life and such a tragic ending.
Mrs. Foote's affectionate request was, that in the event
of her passing, the cherished palanquin should go to the
author of this little story.
It was said that nowhere in the Orient was there so
interesting and so beautiful a conveyance. It reached its
destination together with rare Satsuma ware, one of the
screens, and other elegant gifts from the Korean palace.
A diplomat's helpmate
The palanquin was lost in the great fire, but General Foote
saved the tea set when the outer walls of the building were
hot. Today that Imperial gift has a permanent place in
the author's home — a home to which the General and his
wife loved to come.
The palanquin was sentient with the lives of an oriental
and an occidental woman, each of whom had left the
hampering walls of sense and passed through the royal
gate of the Beyond. That the animating Christ spirit
made a common bond between the two here, gives assur-
ance of glad fruition for them in their escape to the larger
liberty.
Did Rose Foote long for more years, it was but that
she might further aid her fellowmen.
If this story of her patriotism inspires those of us so
fortunate as to be at our country's call today, then this
American diplomat's helpmate will have served her flag
again.
[50]
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